About Clearstory College Counseling

In my 18 years in college admissions, I have guided 700+ students and their families to college. Before launching Clearstory College Counseling, I served as the Director of College Counseling at the Dawson School in Lafayette, Colorado. Prior to joining Dawson, I helped institute the dean system—a 4-year, holistic approach to college counseling—at the Kinkaid School in Houston, Texas. As an independent counselor, I have assisted students from coast to coast in their college search and application process.

I bring a rich knowledge of colleges and universities in the United States and abroad, thorough understanding of the complexities of the admissions process, and a knack for helping students and their parents thrive through the stresses of the admissions process. As a writer, educator and seasoned counselor, I love helping students tell their story to colleges in a way that is authentic, meaningful, and successful in helping them realize their college goals.I love helping my students see, develop and tell their stories in their college applications, and I love helping them find colleges that will become an important part of their life story.

My passion for college counseling began when I was a journalism student at Northwestern reporting on college admissions in Chicago public schools. Reporting that story prompted me to become an educator. After 25 years in schools, I have developed a holistic approach to counseling that honors each students’ strengths and priorities. In addition, as a former English teacher and an award-winning free-lance journalist, I am skilled in helping students identify and tell their stories. I bring to my students:

  • Experience with selective college admission

  • Knowledge of colleges and universities nationwide

  • The ability to provide structure and support to help students craft authentic and successful college applications.

I can bring clarity and purpose to the college admissions process.

stefanie esposito college consulting

Experience

  • Dawson School, Lafayette, CO—Director of College Counseling

  • The Kinkaid School, Houston, TX—Upper School Dean, English teacher

  • Kent Denver School, Denver, CO—College Counselor, English teacher

  • Teach For America, Houston, TX—English teacher

Education

  • Northwestern University, BS Journalism

  • Northwestern University, MS Journalism

“Clearstory,” or “clerestory” is also an architectural term that refers to windows placed above eye level to illuminate a space. So, Clearstory stands for growth and light. I am honored to help shed light on a complex process as my students reach new academic and personal heights.

I was quoted in a Forbes article, How To Start Your College Search!

“ I couldn’t have made it through the process without Stefanie helping me. She made getting through my college applications a breeze, and I truly don’t know what I would’ve done without her.”

- Eli